Thanksgiving passed here in Canada yesterday, and it was much different from the way it has been in the past. In fact, this year we didn’t even have a turkey upon the table! We went the complete other direction in fact, to show our children that it really doesn’t matter what day of the year it is or what is upon the table. What really matters are the people who are with you, celebrating.

It was a very strange way to celebrate this year. It began with the entire family in the living room playing games together. Helping each other and just enjoying the company of those we love. From there we went apple picking! Yep, apple picking. Spent 3 hours or so with a wonderful family who climbed the trees with us, welcomed us into their yard and home, and came home with happy smiling children packed full of iced tea and apples, with bags upon bags of apples for the coming days.

I am sure this is a memory the children will have for years to come. Nothing like an apple freshly picked from a tree to satisfy your hunger. And for that I will be forever grateful and thankful. Happy children is what I love having in my life.

For dinner we sat around and ate pizza. That’s right, our thanksgiving dinner consisted of pizza. We wished everyone a happy thanksgiving and enjoyed pizza and a movie.

Far removed from the normal Thanksgiving was yesterday, but for the time being it will remain my favorite thanksgiving ever. My children learned that it doesn’t matter what we eat, where we are or what we do, all that matters is you are surrounded by those you love, and yesterday I was surrounded by the love of my husband and 5 beautiful children.

I hope everyone realizes how much they have in their lives to be Thankful for. When others are alone, cold and without food, simply having a roof over your head, and food in your stomach, turkey or otherwise is a lot to be thankful for. Being surrounded by those you love can and will always trump all other worldly things.

Best wishes,

Sylvia